Belted Kingfisher

[Jack Backs]

It's becoming a pretty slow time of year in my area. I have never been able to sneak up on one these birds. I've been observing feeding patterns over the last month and finally decided to camp out at one spot to see what I could get.
I have a fair amount of leeway on where to set the background waterline. I might set it a little higher next time. Any recommendations on this? It was sunny with a few high clouds that were blowing by a a pretty good clip. I was having
a hard time keeping up with exposure. I might have clipped the whites a little.

Nikon D500, 500mmF4VRII, TC-14EIII

f9, 1/1600s, iso640

[kevin Hice]

Boy Jack I sure would be happy to have this one. Beautiful yes it may be a little hot.Great detail and ha. For me I would tone down the branch from the wing up. Love the background too.I have never had a good opportunity either with Kingfishers.I have no recommendations sweet. TFS

[David Roach]

You have to be a very patient man. First beautiful warblers and now this. I have never been able to get close to one of these beauties. A superb canvas and the whites look great to me. Congrats and TFS.

[arash_hazeghi]

oh man this is a super shot, excellent pose light descent perch and killer details

wish it was mine

TFS

[arash_hazeghi]

PS BG is nice as is, all green or all blue would be nice too, if two toned I'd keep the boundary where it is

[Tim Munsey]

Nailed it! Perfect in every way.

[dankearl]

Excellent. No critique from me.

[Mike Poole]

The bird is maybe a little tight in the frame, but otherwise spot on for me. If the BG has to intersect the bird, then I think you've placed it right

Mike

[Arthur Morris]

Quite excellent. Sharp and the crop and framing work well with the bird and the perch.

with love, artie

[Bill Dix]

These birds are so tough to photograph. This shot is excellent; I particularly like the slightly open beak, and raised crest. Great detail and layered background. If I had one wish I would like to see just a tad more room around him, particularly on the top. Congratulations on a fine shot.

[Jack Backs]

I'm with you Bill. I had an image that was essentially identical but with a closed beak. I preferred slightly open.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Your camping out paid off, Jack. Like everything about this capture. Nice open beak and raised crest The extremely smooth transitioning of tones in background is outstanding.


Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[John Mack]

Great frame. Everything looks good to me.

[Aditya Sridhar]

Ditto all the positives. More room would be nice. I'd also experiment with a vertical crop to incorporate more of that lovely background. Great shot Jack! Looking forward to seeing more of this beauty.

[Randy Stout]

Jack: Excellent! One of my nemesis birds, so appreciate your fine capture. Sliver more room as mentioned.

Cheers

Randy

[gail bisson]

I am late to the party but agree with all the positive comments!
Gail